FAQs
Pokemon Card FAQs
Answers to the most common questions UK, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese Pokemon card collectors ask, from buying and selling sealed product to spotting fakes, understanding rarity, and trading in your cards with TCYM.
Buying & Selling Pokemon Cards
Where can I buy Pokemon cards in the UK?
You can buy sealed Pokemon cards from TCYM on our own store, as well as on Amazon, The Range, Debenhams, Tesco, Temu, and TikTok Shop. We stock sealed booster boxes, booster bundles, Elite Trainer Boxes, and themed sets sourced from Japan, Korea, China, and the English market, with tracked UK delivery on every order.
Where can I sell Pokemon cards?
TCYM runs a trade-in scheme where you can exchange 100 Pokemon cards (excluding energy, trainer, and code cards) for a sealed pack or art rare card. We also accept other sealed products and single cards for a custom quote. See our Trade-In page for the full process.
Where can I buy Pokemon cards near me?
TCYM ships across the whole of the UK with free tracked delivery, so you do not need a local card shop nearby. Orders under £100 use Royal Mail Tracked 48; orders of £100 and over use Royal Mail Tracked 24, at no extra cost. We aim to dispatch orders placed before 2pm on the same working day. Estimated delivery is 1–3 working days after dispatch; this is not guaranteed.
What is the best way to buy sealed Pokemon booster boxes?
Buy from a seller who stocks sealed, quality-checked stock and ships with tracking, so you can confirm your box has not been opened or tampered with in transit. TCYM quality checks every sealed product before dispatch and ships all orders tracked.
Value & Rarity
What is the most expensive Pokemon card?
The most expensive Pokemon cards are typically rare promotional prints, such as early Illustrator promo cards and low-population graded cards from the game's first sets, which have sold at auction for six and seven-figure sums. Value depends heavily on condition, grading, and print rarity.
What is the rarest Pokemon card?
Rarity is usually determined by how limited the print run was, whether the card was a tournament prize or promotional giveaway, and how few copies survive in top condition today. Rarer cards tend to come from early sets, special promotions, and Japanese exclusive releases.
How much are my Pokemon cards worth?
Card value depends on the set, card rarity, condition, and current collector demand. Checking recent sold listings for the exact card and set is the most reliable way to estimate current value, since prices can move quickly with new set releases and market trends.
How many Pokemon cards are there in total?
There are tens of thousands of individual Pokemon trading cards across all sets and languages released since the game launched in 1996, with new sets added every year in Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese.
Spotting Fakes & Checking Products
How can I tell if a Pokemon card is fake?
Common signs include incorrect card stock thickness, colours that look too bright or too dull compared to an official print, missing or incorrect holographic patterns, and text or spacing that does not match the official layout for that set. Comparing a card side by side with a verified reference copy of the same print is the most reliable check.
How does TCYM make sure sealed products are not tampered with?
Every sealed product we sell is quality checked before it leaves our warehouse, and we ship in tamper-evident packaging so you can see the condition of the seal on arrival. For change-of-mind returns, please preserve the original condition of the product. Opening packs or damaging seals can reduce their value and may result in a deduction from your refund. This does not affect your rights if an item is faulty, damaged or not as described. See our Refund Policy for full details.
Is it safe to buy sealed Pokemon booster boxes online?
Buying sealed product online is safe when you buy from a seller who quality checks stock before dispatch and ships with tracking, so you have a clear record of the product's condition from warehouse to your door.
Playing & Grading Pokemon Cards
How do you play the Pokemon Trading Card Game?
Players build a 60-card deck and take turns playing Pokemon, energy, and trainer cards to battle their opponent's Pokemon, aiming to knock out the required number of Pokemon or run their opponent out of cards to win. Full rulebooks are included with every Elite Trainer Box and starter deck.
How do I get my Pokemon cards graded?
Grading services assess a card's centering, corners, edges, and surface condition, then assign a numerical grade and seal the card in a protective case. Costs and turnaround times vary by grading company and the service tier you choose.
What is an Elite Trainer Box?
An Elite Trainer Box is a sealed set that typically includes several booster packs, card sleeves, dice, damage counters, and other playing accessories, making it a popular option for both new and experienced collectors.